This project was built and designed by Michael from Maker At Play. It’s a practical shop upgrade that adds a floor-level dust collection sweep, helping keep your workspace cleaner and your tools running better.
Instead of constantly chasing dust and debris with a broom, this simple addition lets you sweep everything directly into your dust collection system. With minimal materials and smart placement, Michael creates an efficient, low-cost cleanup solution for any woodworking shop.
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Why Add a Floor Sweep to Your Dust Collection System?
Dust collection isn’t just about keeping things tidy—it’s critical for air quality, tool longevity, and safety. A floor sweep allows you to collect dust with a broom and send it straight to your system without lifting a hose or using a vacuum.
For shops that already have a dust collection system in place, this is an easy way to extend its reach and reduce downtime between projects. It also means fewer dust piles collecting in corners or under machines.
Choosing the Right Spot
The effectiveness of a floor sweep depends heavily on its location. Michael places his just to the side of his table saw and jointer—two machines that naturally produce a lot of chips and sawdust.
By tucking it into a high-traffic area, it becomes part of the natural workflow. There’s no need to drag a hose or pull out a shop vac—just sweep and go.
Materials and Basic Layout
Michael uses scrap plywood for the main body of the sweep, making this project budget-friendly. A four-inch dust collection pipe and a blast gate are also needed, both standard components for most systems.
Repurposing leftover wood helps keep costs low while giving useful life to materials that might otherwise be discarded. The project doesn’t require anything exotic or hard to find, making it great for weekend shop upgrades.
Designing for Functionality
The sweep is shaped wider at the front than at the back, forming a simple funnel or V-shaped opening. This design helps corral dust into the center, making sweeping more efficient and reducing the chance of overflow.
Instead of aiming for perfect angles or tight furniture-level tolerances, Michael keeps the cuts straightforward. He freehands most of the layout, focusing on a design that works well rather than one that looks perfect.
Cutting and Assembly
The plywood is trimmed into the needed panels, and a hole is cut into the top of the sweep to fit the blast gate. This opening connects directly to the dust collection pipe, pulling in air and debris when the gate is open.
For the best seal, the blast gate is friction-fit—tight enough to stay secure but loose enough to open and close easily. This method keeps installation simple and functional.
The pieces are glued and nailed together using wood glue and brad nails. This creates a solid box that’s durable enough for daily shop use without overbuilding or adding unnecessary weight.
Integrating the Dust Collection Pipe
To align the dust collection pipe with the sweep, Michael cuts a dado into the vertical support post. This small channel allows the pipe to nest securely against the post and line up directly with the sweep opening.
Proper alignment helps avoid airflow loss and ensures consistent suction when the system is running. This attention to detail is part of what makes the project more effective than a loosely connected attachment.
Smoothing the Edges
Once assembled, the box gets a quick sanding. This removes splinters and sharp corners while giving the piece a more finished appearance.
Sanding also helps prevent catching clothing or hoses on exposed edges. Even though it’s a utility project, it still benefits from a clean, professional look.
Why This Upgrade Makes a Difference
A floor sweep may seem like a minor addition, but it has a noticeable impact. Shop floors stay cleaner, tool maintenance is easier, and cleanup time is cut significantly.
Because it’s built from scraps and basic parts, this upgrade is extremely cost-effective. There’s no need to buy a manufactured solution when a simple DIY version can perform just as well.
Simple, Smart, and Worth It
This dust collector sweep is a quick shop project that offers lasting benefits. It’s an example of how thoughtful improvements can streamline your workflow and make woodworking more enjoyable.
Michael’s build shows that even simple upgrades can add real value to a workspace. If you’re tired of sweeping into a dustpan—or just want a better solution—this is a great place to start.
Support Michael by visiting his website: https://makeratplay.com/.